tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71289304716284216592018-03-05T15:00:31.482-08:00Dave's Cross Country Bike RideDave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-1608507580362857872007-07-27T16:43:00.001-07:002007-08-12T08:35:42.819-07:00Home Again! Day 53<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rr8nLlaLQSI/AAAAAAAAAOE/vKMNvwDBYIA/s1600-h/07+24+07+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097836383180636450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rr8nLlaLQSI/AAAAAAAAAOE/vKMNvwDBYIA/s320/07+24+07+013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rr8mylaLQRI/AAAAAAAAAN8/PwkApFMq06E/s1600-h/07+24+07+013.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rr8mWVaLQQI/AAAAAAAAAN0/sebJBFhcstE/s1600-h/07+24+07+014.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqqGo1aLQOI/AAAAAAAAANk/PH2wtOivLd4/s1600-h/06+03+07+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092030364785524962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqqGo1aLQOI/AAAAAAAAANk/PH2wtOivLd4/s320/06+03+07+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqqGHlaLQNI/AAAAAAAAANc/B9TK3wv2JrY/s1600-h/06+29+07+002.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqqFBVaLQMI/AAAAAAAAANU/_j3cVyz39ro/s1600-h/07+24+07+013.JPG"></a>The top photo was taken on July 24, 2007, as I dipped my front tire into the Atlantic Ocean at Rye Beach, New Hampshire. We had travelled about 3,900 miles since the second photo was taken. That was on our start on June 3, 2007 as I dipped my rear wheel into the Pacific Ocean at San Francisco, New Hampshire. </div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>And the final photo was taken this morning, June 27th, my second day back at the office. Yup, it's "back to the real world". Pictured are Jaime, Steph, Missy, Nichole, and Maria, plus the big guy in the background. Laura couldn't be in the photo, and my partner, Andy and our office manager, Diane, both took vacation when I came back! </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>The ladies made a lovely "Welcome Home" banner, with many photos on it that they printed from this blog. Cool, huh? Fortunately, I didn't forget too much about "doctoring" during the ride, and we got through the first two days back without a hitch. Everyone has been great, welcoming me home.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>About the bike--I bought seven tires on the trip: two lost to "tar", and several with too many pieces of glass or wire in them. I also used a new chain, after the halfway point. And Gerard, our mechanic, replaced my rear derailleur cable twice. But the bike held up very well, despite travelling 3,912 miles on the trip. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>We only travelled through 13 of the 48 continental United States (although many of the riders rode into Maine after we dipped our wheels, to add a 14th state). It's a pretty big country, and we saw only a tiny fraction of it in our travels. If you double click on the map at the top of the page 51 entry, you'll see that our route was anything but straight! But it was wonderful.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, and owe thanks again to our great AbB staff. They worked hard to care for the riders, and I'd love to ride with them again. I was able to "smell the roses" every day, and took over a a thousand photos from the trip. Because I got stronger (and faster) as the ride progressed, I was able to ride with all the cross country riders, even those who preferred to ride by themselves for most of the time. There was an interesting dynamic, as the faster (driven) riders and the slower (and happy to stop frequently) riders each seemed to feel that their method was the best. Having ridden much with both types of riders, I think each group did what was best for them. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Since I rode across the United States to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, I want to (again) mention a special rider. I probably rode with Howie more than anyone else on this trip (no offense to all the other great people I rode with). We both rode at similar paces (esp. after I "sped up" a little), but loved to stop, take photos, chat with others, etc..... As I've noted, Howie is a cancer survivor, and is a phenomenal mixture of tough and kind. He battled lymphoma for nine years, and for the last three years has not needed any further treatments. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Just like Lance Armstrong, a cancer survivor and phenomenal rider, Howie is dedicated to the fight against cancer. He also raised money to fight cancer while he rode. He, like me, wore a Livestrong bracelet during the ride (just check our wrists in the photos), and he even gave me a few extra Livestrong bracelets that he had. I know he would join me in asking all concerned people who've enjoyed following our rides to make a tax deduct able donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. To do so, please visit my web page at</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>livestrong.org/grassroots/davidmoore</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>To the many people who have donated or will donate, I say again "Thanks".<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqqDgFaLQKI/AAAAAAAAANE/u0Og1_PxsAE/s1600-h/07+27+07+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092026915926786210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqqDgFaLQKI/AAAAAAAAANE/u0Og1_PxsAE/s320/07+27+07+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>It's been a great ride, and I already miss it! But it's also great to be back home! I encourage all of you to find something that you love, and challenge yourselves like my fellow riders did. Combining exercise, travel, and learning, this trip was a perfect challenge for me. I hope you find, and enjoy, yours as I have. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Please feel free to contact me at </div><br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="mailto:dsmv@comcast.net">dsmv@comcast.net</a></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>to discuss the trip, this blog, or the Lance Armstrong Foundation. And thanks for reading!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-80667291668123148752007-07-26T12:44:00.001-07:002007-07-26T13:27:33.398-07:00To the Atlantic Ocean--EFI Day 52<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rqj6olaLQJI/AAAAAAAAAM8/dKbN_84qvPM/s1600-h/07+24+07+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091594953885958290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rqj6olaLQJI/AAAAAAAAAM8/dKbN_84qvPM/s320/07+24+07+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rqj6V1aLQII/AAAAAAAAAM0/Nwxx5AgalvM/s1600-h/07+24+07+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091594631763411074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rqj6V1aLQII/AAAAAAAAAM0/Nwxx5AgalvM/s320/07+24+07+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rqj6EVaLQHI/AAAAAAAAAMs/M6DaedRehEY/s1600-h/07+24+07+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091594331115700338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rqj6EVaLQHI/AAAAAAAAAMs/M6DaedRehEY/s320/07+24+07+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Well, that looks like the Atlantic Ocean behind Carol and me, so that means--we made it! What a great experience!</div><div></div><div>We rode 58 miles to the beach this morning, and all riders took a little time to enjoy the ride. Howie and I missed two turns in a row, so we got extra mileage again. It was the only time we were not riding with several other people, and we just weren't paying attention to our "Clue" sheets. </div><div></div><div>As you can see the weather was lovely. The top photo was taken just after I dipped my front tire into the Atlantic Ocean at Rye Beach, just south of Portsmouth, NH. The middle photo was taken at a school in Rye, and shows the 24 cross country riders who finished the ride, the 4 AbB staff members, and a few other riders who joined (or , in Jay's case) rejoined us fro the final leg from Erie, PA to the ocean.</div><div></div><div>After that photo was taken, we rode as a group to the beach, with a police escort in front. Septuagenarians Herb, Robert, and Cliff, as well as 67 year old Arlene were given the honor of riding up front, just behind the police car, while the AbB staff rode at the back. As a second police car was not available to trail us, Carol drove our minivan at the rear of the peleton, with her flashers on.</div><div></div><div>The funniest part was hearing the AbB staffers who rode with us (Andy, Michelle, Gerard, and Christine) talking. Whenever they drove by during the cross country ride, they would admonish any rider who was riding too far out in the road to "move over to the right". But during the police escort, they yelled "Get back in the middle of the road. Why are you riding on the side of the road?"</div><div></div><div>I had two major goals during this ride, apart from raising money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They were as follows.</div><div></div><div>First, enjoy every day! That turned out to be easier than I had imagined. We had a great group of riders, a great AbB support staff, and rode a great route. Sure, we had some rain, and plenty of headwinds, as well as snow in the Sierras. But we never had the unbearably hot weather we had anticipated, and most road conditions were good to excellent (with several notable exceptions). There was never a day I didn't feel like riding--though there were certainly times where we had 20 miles to go and I wished the hotel were around the next corner! We all had to "dig deep" at different times, but people were very supportive of one another. </div><div></div><div>Since I love riding my bike, it was easy to wake up every morning and get on the bicycle. I was lucky enough (and experienced enough) to avoid any major soreness during the long ride. And that leads to may second major goal for the trip, which was to ride EFI.</div><div></div><div>EFI stands, of course, for "Every Fantastic Inch", or something like that. Early in the ride, I learned this term. It meant that a rider rode the entire route under his/her own power. Sure, we carried our bikes over the sand to dip our wheels, and we occasionally carried our bikes around obstacles (missing bridges, roads so thick with hot tar and stones that the wheels wouldn't turn), but we did every fantastic inch by ourselves, without riding in the SAG van.</div><div></div><div>About 16 riders (~60% of the cross country riders) rode EFI, and we were very proud of it. Almost half of the EFI riders are posing at the beach in the lower picture. It took luck, as well as lots of effort, to ride EFI. Avoiding illness, injury, and bicycle problems were always in the back of my mind. Our oldest (Herb) and youngest (Erin) riders each rode EFI, and I know they both had some really tough days--pretty amazing. Several riders had to SAG at one or more times due to illness, fatigue, injury, or a bike that was beyond the considerable ability of Gerard, our mechanic, to do roadside repairs on. (Remember that old bit about never ending a sentence with a preposition? I hope that's become passe, because ending sentences with prepositions is something I'm very comfortable with.)</div><div></div><div>I'll post some final thoughts on A "Wrap Up" page soon. Of course, it's time to get back to work in "the real world". It's been a great ride!</div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-85796588363795373592007-07-23T14:37:00.001-07:002007-08-12T08:23:00.721-07:00Over the Hills of New Hampshire Day 51<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rr8lMlaLQPI/AAAAAAAAANs/y9oliVSlqdY/s1600-h/Oh+Shift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097834201337250034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rr8lMlaLQPI/AAAAAAAAANs/y9oliVSlqdY/s320/Oh+Shift.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqUgrFaLQGI/AAAAAAAAAMk/eGpi3TU2-HU/s1600-h/07+23+07+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090510878370644066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqUgrFaLQGI/AAAAAAAAAMk/eGpi3TU2-HU/s320/07+23+07+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqUgYVaLQFI/AAAAAAAAAMc/k_ZwGE-cYuE/s1600-h/07+23+07+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090510556248096850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqUgYVaLQFI/AAAAAAAAAMc/k_ZwGE-cYuE/s320/07+23+07+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today was our penultimate ride, and it was memorable. We left the hotel and soon crossed the Connecticut River, entering New Hamphshire--our final state. The forcast was for headwinds (which were not bad) and rain as the day progressed. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Continuing our eastward trek over the Green Mountains (actually, just really big hills--they are what is left of the Appalachian Mountains which were so very much higher before hundreds of thousands of years eroded them to their present size), we had over 6,000 feet of climb. This was our second highest climbing total, ranking behind the day up Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevadas. Of course, we also had about 6,000 feet of descending, which never lasts nearly as long as the climbing!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think that if you put a ball on the road, onjust about any part of our ride today, the ball would roll forward or backward--there just weren't any "flat" areas. I probably shifted gears as much today as any day. There were no really long climbs (like yesterday's), but there were many steep climbs--among the steepest we've ridden. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The third photo was taken just before climbing the steep hill on Joe English road, about 72 miles into the ride. You can see the sense of humor of the artist (my money is on Mike Munk, of the AbB staff), who notes that the AB (for America by Bicycle) route goes to the left, and will leave your tongue dragging! Another clever sign I saw (up above) just before climbing a very steep part of a hill said, "O SHIFT!" (This photo was taken by Mike Monk on last year's ride).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Carol has joined us this evening for our final dinner together here in Manchester--a banquet! It's nice to see the riders greet her by name, with a smile. She had ridden on an AbB bike tour with me in the past (the Fall Foliage Tour--on our tandem bicycle). That ride averaged 45 miles a day, and Carol said that was "too much". She admires all who cycle across the country, but has no desire to ride that kind of mileage herself.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The map has been updated as you can see below. We're almost at Portsmouth, NH. Only a 50 plus mile ride tomorrow, and we'll dip our front wheels into the Atlantic Ocean. Hard to believe it!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqUgAFaLQEI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ZUKZeQSqynU/s1600-h/07+23+07+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090510139636269122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqUgAFaLQEI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ZUKZeQSqynU/s320/07+23+07+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-6512967622648010272007-07-22T17:27:00.000-07:002007-07-22T17:58:31.793-07:00Climbing in the Green Mountain State Day 50<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqP2v1aLQDI/AAAAAAAAAMM/pUd0dPz6940/s1600-h/07+22+07+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090183305509945394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqP2v1aLQDI/AAAAAAAAAMM/pUd0dPz6940/s320/07+22+07+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqP2lVaLQCI/AAAAAAAAAME/mNix5ksAYSo/s1600-h/07+22+07+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090183125121318946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqP2lVaLQCI/AAAAAAAAAME/mNix5ksAYSo/s320/07+22+07+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> We are riding over the Appalachian mountain range today and tomorrow. As soon as we left our hotel in Troy, NY (on the east bank of the Hudson River, we started to climb. After entering Vermont (see above), we really started to climb. The terrain was lovely, the weather nice (and not too hot), and we did several sustained climbs. Unlike our climbing in the Rocky<br />Mountains, we were surrounded by beautiful streams and creeks, and lots of greenery. The Green Mountains are aptly named. The second photo was taken in a valley, and you can see the mountains in the distance. </div><div> </div><div>When we entered the town of Bennington, Vermont, Howie, Pete and did an additional mile plus climb to the cemetery where Howie's brother and sister-in-law are buried. They were killed in a car crash 4 years ago. The tombstone was topped by a sculpture of a man and woman embracing--Howie's brother had sculpted it himself. It was beautiful, and there was an engraving on the stone that said "Together Forever". It was very touching.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>The second SAG was set up after the longest climb of the day. We then had a nice descent, followed by another climb to the eastern peak of Hogback Mountain. The lower photo shows Howie celebrating as we reached the top of the climb. We chatted with several motorcyclists at the mountain top (called the hundred mile view). While we envied their ability to get up the mountains easily, they were camping every night. With the rains that were here until about 48 hours ago, they had to deal with some difficult conditions.</div><div></div><div>Of course, we were rewarded with a lovely descent into Brattleboro, Vermont (just west of the Connecticut River, which is the Vermont-New Hampshire border), where we're staying tonight.</div><div></div><div>Riders all felt the effort in their legs today, and we will do more, even harder climbing tomorrow. Since tomorrow night Banquet, and get a chance to tell stories. Carol will be driving up to share the evening (she's made a great impression on many of the riders), and several other spouses will be here as well. It should be fun.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqP2WFaLQBI/AAAAAAAAAL8/PGdi8j9ncPI/s1600-h/07+22+07+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090182863128313874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqP2WFaLQBI/AAAAAAAAAL8/PGdi8j9ncPI/s320/07+22+07+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-70498313443722540362007-07-21T17:40:00.000-07:002007-07-21T18:06:14.134-07:00Conquering Troy--New York Day 49<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqKpSVaLQAI/AAAAAAAAAL0/Un7kFwtcnGc/s1600-h/07+21+07+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089816661331755010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqKpSVaLQAI/AAAAAAAAAL0/Un7kFwtcnGc/s320/07+21+07+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqKosVaLP_I/AAAAAAAAALs/9lXZgu2Qt44/s1600-h/07+21+07+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089816008496726002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqKosVaLP_I/AAAAAAAAALs/9lXZgu2Qt44/s320/07+21+07+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> We finally had some wonderful weather for our 83 mile ride today. We're in Troy, NY, having just crossed the Hudson River. We continued along the Mohawk River (and waterway system) today, with lots of nice scenery. Above is "Lock #9", looking downriver on the Mohawk. The water level is at the upstream (behind the camera) height, and will be lowered to the downstream height (about 15 feet) and vice <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">verse</span>, to allow small and mid-sized boats to go down or upstream.</div><div> </div><div>We had lunch at another outdoor drive-in. Christine is pictured with several of our bikes, but she is looking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">at </span>the kids' cycles. She and Bill were just married a month ago at Monarch Pass. What could she be thinking?........</div><div> </div><div>Tonight, after dinner, 12 of our cyclists engaged in a "Tee Shirt Swap". Each cyclist brought a tee shirt which they then exchanged. It was done by a "lottery" system, and riders were able to "steal" each others' "picks". It was very funny watching the "double dealing" going on, and we had lots of laughs. Pictured below are the riders with their new tee shirts. </div><div> </div><div>Sorry the blog is somewhat shorter today, but "Harry Potter and the Deathly Harrows" was released today, and there was a bookstore about 4 blocks from the hotel that had unsold copies, and.........<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqKosVaLP_I/AAAAAAAAALs/9lXZgu2Qt44/s1600-h/07+21+07+016.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqKoalaLP-I/AAAAAAAAALk/tQGBwIysaps/s1600-h/07+21+07+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089815703554047970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqKoalaLP-I/AAAAAAAAALk/tQGBwIysaps/s320/07+21+07+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-18199106226903153512007-07-20T17:59:00.000-07:002007-07-20T18:23:11.722-07:0079 miles on the Erie Canal Day 48<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqFbQFaLP9I/AAAAAAAAALc/F7OzOo3SFS4/s1600-h/07+20+07+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089449385793372114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqFbQFaLP9I/AAAAAAAAALc/F7OzOo3SFS4/s320/07+20+07+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqFbGVaLP8I/AAAAAAAAALU/QwUePoTespY/s1600-h/07+20+07+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089449218289647554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqFbGVaLP8I/AAAAAAAAALU/QwUePoTespY/s320/07+20+07+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqFa51aLP7I/AAAAAAAAALM/k2_lr4PJfbQ/s1600-h/07+20+07+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089449003541282738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqFa51aLP7I/AAAAAAAAALM/k2_lr4PJfbQ/s320/07+20+07+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We cycled along the New York State Canal System today, which first started as the Erie Canal in 1825. Tonight, we're in Little Falls, New York. We had a fair amount of rain today again, but it looks like the storm systems will be moving on now. </div><div> </div><div>The Erie Canal opened in 1825. Originally it ran 363 miles, from Buffalo, on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, to Albany, on the Hudson River. At an initial cost of seven million dollars, it was one of the engineering marvels of the nineteenth century. It allowed easy travel from western New York to New York City by waterway, much cheaper than horse drawn carriages on dusty or muddy roads. Within 15 years of the canal's opening, New York was the busiest port in America (supplanting Boston and Philadelphia). And with the exception of Binghampton and Elmira, every major city in New York lies along the trade route established by the Erie Canal. This includes Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Schenectady, Albany, and NYC. Today, 80% of the population of upstate New York lies within 25 miles of the canal.</div><div> </div><div>The initial canal was 40 feet wide and 4 feet deep (see top photo). It was dug by the muscle power of men and horses. Between 1835 and 1900, the Erie Canal "system" which came to include other New York State canals, was enlarged twice to accomadate larger barges. Between 1905 and 1918, the canals were enlarged yet again. Photo #2 shows the "barge canal", which is much larger. If you look very carefully, you can see that the "captain" of the boat is steering with one hand, while he hugs his "honey" with the other. He gave us a rather sheepish grin when we hailed him.</div><div> </div><div>The third photo was taken after dinner, at the canal here in Little Falls, along the Mohawk River (which is just to the right, off camera). Much of the original canal has been abandoned, and engineers have "canalized" several rivers, such as the Mohawk, which flows into the Hudson River near Albany. Pleasure boats ride the canal system now, but there are plans to bring corn via the canal system to an ethanol plan downriver. Folks are still not sure if it's economically feasible--we'll see.</div><div> </div><div>Tomorrow, we'll continue some more along the canal. Then we'll spend a few days crossing the mountains before we make our way to the Atlantic. As of today, I've ridden 3, 607 miles since leaving San Francisco on June 3rd. Hard to believe......<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-44639856112341171102007-07-19T18:34:00.000-07:002007-07-19T19:02:08.732-07:00Rain, Rain Go Away Day 47<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqASASd7aiI/AAAAAAAAALE/y36fNrilcPo/s1600-h/07+19+07+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089087375095327266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqASASd7aiI/AAAAAAAAALE/y36fNrilcPo/s320/07+19+07+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqARvSd7ahI/AAAAAAAAAK8/m5Fnaqnncb8/s1600-h/07+19+07+005_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089087083037551122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqARvSd7ahI/AAAAAAAAAK8/m5Fnaqnncb8/s320/07+19+07+005_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqARhSd7agI/AAAAAAAAAK0/UVp4dnRF5pU/s1600-h/07+19+07+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089086842519382530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RqARhSd7agI/AAAAAAAAAK0/UVp4dnRF5pU/s320/07+19+07+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />You may have noticed that there are no pictures of bike riders or the terrain we travelled today. As you may have guessed by the title of today's blog, we had lots of rain today. Starting with light drizzle, then heavier rain, and a real drenching downpour midday, we had lots of wet today. After the ride, almost every rider was washing his/her bike, to remove the debris, mud, filth, etc.. that get on the bikes when it rains. </div><div> </div><div>I put my camera in a waterproof bag this AM, and didn't remove it until we reached the hotel here in Liverpool, near Syracuse, NY. Too bad, because we passed several of the finger lakes, rode through Waterloo (the birthplace of Memorial Day) and Seneca Falls (the birthplace of "Women's rights/voting"), and saw other interesting sites as well. Several folks had their cameras ruined in the rain today, and one rider says her (that narrows it down a little, doesn't it, Erin?) third camera of the trip was ruined!</div><div> </div><div>On top of that, we rode over thousands of pieces of glass, and riders had more than thirty flat tires today. One rider had four while another had six! I had a flat tire early myself. Pictured above is a group of riders at "route rap" who raised their hands when asked if they had a flat tire today. Lots of hands are raised.</div><div> </div><div>On the bright side, I was given permission by Arlene to tell a story about her. Arlene, pictured in the middle with Jay, suffered a fall off her bike about three weeks ago. She sustained multiple lacerations to her face and hand, and had non-displaced fractures of her nose and "pinky" finger! She wore a splint on her hand/finger, and had many sutures. Arlene also had bruises on her face and looked very sore! She rode in the SAG van for about a week, asking me about every other day if she could ride yet. After a week, we started to remove some of her sutures. Then, on the rest day in Indianapolis she rode around the 2 1/2 mile track. The next day she rode about thirty miles, and within a few days she was riding the full day's mileage, which she has continued to do. She feels much better, and is riding strongly. We are so impressed with her! Her stitches are all out, her bruises are healing--and, as you can see, she looks great!</div><div> </div><div>We have had several riders leave the trip this summer. Two have left after falling off their bikes, and another left early after fighting bronchitis. I haven't reported any details on this blog because I haven't asked their permission to do so, and because I don't want to emphasize any "negatives". The AbB staff says that perhaps 10% of riders don't finish the Cross Country Challenge each year, and with three riders gone out of about 25, I guess we're just over that average as we approach the Atlantic Ocean. The ride certainly is challenging, and some of our riders have really suffered at times. But they are all strong and courageous.</div><div> </div><div>Another rider who deserves special mention in this regard is Robert (pronounced Ro BARE), from France. Robert will turn 73 in a few days, and he is pictured below at a birthday celebration held this evening after dinner, where we (appropriately) had wine in his honor. The wines were from the local wineries, but Robert enjoyed them nonetheless! Robert, who is our second oldest rider (Herb is 75), had fought bronchitis for well over a week. He took antibiotics and continued to ride every day, going a little slower until he felt better. He feels well now, and is riding as strong as ever. Amazing!</div><div> </div><div>Joyeaus anniversair, Robert! </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-91949182242639797772007-07-18T17:40:00.000-07:002007-07-18T18:20:13.394-07:00A Look at Our Routines Day 46<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp61CCd7afI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-_xK4YJ2unY/s1600-h/07+18+07+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088703675602004466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp61CCd7afI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-_xK4YJ2unY/s320/07+18+07+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp60tyd7aeI/AAAAAAAAAKk/5AEreT6upDw/s1600-h/07+18+07+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088703327709653474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp60tyd7aeI/AAAAAAAAAKk/5AEreT6upDw/s320/07+18+07+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp60ZSd7adI/AAAAAAAAAKc/104BfrqE7qE/s1600-h/07+18+07+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088702975522335186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp60ZSd7adI/AAAAAAAAAKc/104BfrqE7qE/s320/07+18+07+009.JPG" border="0" /></a> So what 's a typical day like? We wake early, pack our bags, get our bikes ready, and then (if we're lucky) we eat breakfast before we load our luggage into the trailer that's towed by "Gold" to the next motel. The early birds look "bright eyed and bushy tailed", and the night owls still have sleep in their eyes. Most riders love coffee (never had a cup myself). Breakfast may be at the hotel, or at a nearby restaurant.</div><div> </div><div>At the designated "load time", the trailer is opened, and Gerard and Andy (top picture, with newer rider Andrew from Las Vegas on the right, outside the van) hop on. The valuable bike pumps are handed out, and Herb is always lined up, calling "I get the pink pump first". (Don't ask!) </div><div> </div><div>We hand our bags up to Andy and Gerard, then sign the "load sheet". Riders are then free to depart. Some folks always ride together, some folks always ride alone, but most cyclists ride with several others. I've tried to ride with every other cyclist on this trip, though I haven't always been able to ride with the folks who just travel a week or so with us. I've ridden and chatted with all the "cross country" riders, some for minutes here and there, most for much longer periods of time.</div><div> </div><div>At the SAG stops we sign in, wash our hands, then feed, tell stories, refill water bottles and tend to other needs. On longer days, like today (95 miles with plenty of hills) most of us also stop for lunch somewhere. Unlike SAG food, we pay for our own lunches. Today I had a club sandwich--the ladies at my office will be astonished!</div><div> </div><div>Then we continue the ride until we reach the hotel. Today we travelled east (of course) through western New York, and are staying in Canandaigua, in the finger lake region. The scenery was nice--but again, not that different from home (see middle photo).</div><div> </div><div>Folks arrive at the next motel on a staggered schedule. The "harder" the day, in general, the longer between the earliest and latest arrivals. Today it was about 4 to 5 hours, I think. Several riders like to ride quickly to the next motel, and are usually in early. Others stop often, whether they ride quickly or slowly. I've been with the first group to the hotel and also with the last group (several times each) on this trip. It's nice to experience variety!</div><div> </div><div>After a shower, and tending to other needs (bike adjustments, laundry, email, blogs,...) we meet for "Route Rap" and discuss the next day's ride. Pictured at bottom is a portion of the group at today's route rap. It was held outside because of the nice weather and the lake. Goose droppings were the only down side to this location. Notice how folks are studying the "cue sheet" while Andy (standing, left of the tree) talks.</div><div> </div><div>BTW, we have a few pet names for the "cue sheets". These have typewritten instructions, telling us how far to ride until the next turn, SAG stop, or other direction. They are usually clear----however, occasionally they are confusing, esp. if there has been road work done since last year's Cross Country Challenge. One clever wag first dubbed them the "clue sheets", then, after getting particularly confused, changed them to the "haven't got a clue sheets" (alright, it was me again)!</div><div> </div><div>Just kidding--mostly. We love our cue sheets, and can always find our way to the next turn. And when we don't, AbB is gracious enough not to charge us extra for the extra miles we rode while lost or confused!</div><div> </div><div>After route rap, it's off to dinner which is enjoyed with good fellowship. Most folks then turn in early, but a few (esp. the younger riders, but some guys who are starting to look at middle age in the rear view mirror) go to a bar some evenings. Even the "night owls" are usually in bed by eleven. Then it's go to sleep, then wake up and do it again!</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-51668247414553756612007-07-17T14:33:00.001-07:002007-07-17T14:58:57.922-07:00A New York State of Mind Day 45<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp04pid7acI/AAAAAAAAAKU/tbSFkyCbAqs/s1600-h/07+17+07+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088285440276654530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp04pid7acI/AAAAAAAAAKU/tbSFkyCbAqs/s320/07+17+07+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp03ACd7abI/AAAAAAAAAKM/pXDCISTn0Tk/s1600-h/07+17+07+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088283627800455602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp03ACd7abI/AAAAAAAAAKM/pXDCISTn0Tk/s320/07+17+07+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp02UCd7aaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/rMoKOY41QtQ/s1600-h/07+17+07+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088282871886211490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rp02UCd7aaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/rMoKOY41QtQ/s320/07+17+07+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> We're in Hamburg, New York, after an 82 mile ride today. I thoroughly cleaned my bike yesterday, so naturally it rained! Fortunately, the rain was brief and mild, and the ride was enjoyable. Pictured at the State sign are Howie, Pete, Philippe, Jeff and me, starting at the left. After only riding about 40 miles in Pennsylvania since we left Ohio, we were in New York. Who thought you could cross PA that quickly?</div><div> </div><div>We passed many vinyards on our ride along Lake Erie, as shown on the second photo. The grapes are looking good to my untrained eye, at least. While we saw signs directing us to several wineries, none had distances listed, and we didn't actually ride by any wineries. And since we were riding bicycles, we decided against doing any wine tasting. Rats!--oops, I hope that doesn't sound like sour grapes! We also had many views of Lake Erie to our left, including at our SAG stops.</div><div> </div><div>After arriving at the hotel, seven of us hired a "taxi van" and were driven to the "Pedaling History Bicycle Museum in Orchard Park. There we spent an hour looking at hundreds of old bicycles--by far the largest collection any of us had seen. From the first "Ordinary Bicycles" (called the penny farthing in England) with the large front wheel, we saw how the development of rubber tires, then pneumatic tires, as well as the chain and cassette (which allows gear changing) affected the bicycle. The automobile and airplanes used many bicycle innovations, including ball bearings, rack & pinion steering, differential drives and wire spoked wheels. It's a great museum!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-77978324517279241052007-07-16T18:06:00.000-07:002007-07-16T18:33:48.072-07:00Resting in Erie Day 44<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpwXrSd7aZI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/MERK-_xYxNI/s1600-h/07+15+07+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087967711480998290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpwXrSd7aZI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/MERK-_xYxNI/s320/07+15+07+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpwXNyd7aYI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/MQQkvJYbxgY/s1600-h/07+15+07+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087967204674857346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpwXNyd7aYI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/MQQkvJYbxgY/s320/07+15+07+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpwWuid7aXI/AAAAAAAAAJs/KDdNKYGTSxo/s1600-h/07+16+07+001_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087966667803945330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpwWuid7aXI/AAAAAAAAAJs/KDdNKYGTSxo/s320/07+16+07+001_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We enjoyed a day off the bikes in Erie, PA today. Carol, Bekki and I were able to walk down to the lake last night and climb a fairly high observation tower (on the elevator). Behind them is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Presque</span> Isle, a peninsula that forms and protects <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Presque</span> Bay, which is responsible for the location of the town of Erie. The peninsula hosts the largest state park in PA, with many miles of beaches and 3.5 million <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">visitors</span> a year. Lake Erie can be seen behind the "isle".</div><div></div><div>The second photo shows the town of Erie as seen from the tower. At its largest, the city had 400,000 people. It's population now is perhaps 140,000 (or less). Here's hoping the city's turn around goes well.</div><div></div><div>We ran errands today, with Pete and brothers Tim and Jeff. Trips to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Walmart</span> and the bike shop were made. I also did the obligatory bike cleaning (a thorough job this time). At least the trip to the laundromat was more fun, with the help I had! I was sorry to see my ladies go, but they had to return to Gettysburg this evening. I love you two, and thanks for the visit!</div><div></div><div>We start our last stage of the Cross Country Challenge tomorrow, riding eight more days across New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. It's also one of the last times for me to say a few words about the Lance Armstrong Foundation, for whom I'm riding. Money donated to the foundation not only goes to research and treatment, but also is used to help people make decisions re: treatment, and for support for cancer patients and their loved ones.</div><div></div><div></div><div>If you'd like to make a tax <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">deductible</span> donation, please visit my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">web page</span> at</div><div></div><div></div><div>livestrong.org/grassroots/davidmoore</div><div></div><div>To all of you who have donated, I say "Thanks Again"! It's been great riding across the country, and I'm looking forward to this next week.<br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-31962285874507497102007-07-15T17:55:00.000-07:002007-07-15T18:22:39.493-07:00It's an Erie Feeling Day 43<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RprEnCd7aWI/AAAAAAAAAJk/p431XaTNHhY/s1600-h/07+15+07+016_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087594904024738146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RprEnCd7aWI/AAAAAAAAAJk/p431XaTNHhY/s320/07+15+07+016_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RprD-id7aVI/AAAAAAAAAJc/W9SRW4l7oms/s1600-h/07+15+07+010_edited-1.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RprDBCd7aUI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8xEaH6JoAeo/s1600-h/07+15+07+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087593151678081346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RprDBCd7aUI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8xEaH6JoAeo/s320/07+15+07+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RprClid7aTI/AAAAAAAAAJM/EbiKWTQhwZc/s1600-h/07+15+07+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087592679231678770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RprClid7aTI/AAAAAAAAAJM/EbiKWTQhwZc/s320/07+15+07+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />If you double click on the top photo, you can see how far we've come! Carol and Bekki drove from Gettysburg (about 5 hours) to visit, and it's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">great</span> to see them! Bekki's pointing to Erie, PA, where we're staying tonight and tomorrow. </div><div> </div><div>Our 97 mile bike ride took us almost due north from Youngstown, Ohio, for the first 70 miles. The terrain flattened, though a few hills remained. When we reached the town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Conneaut</span>, Ohio, we had lunch at an old fashioned outdoor "drive in", where Phillipe, Rick, and David posed with me. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Root beer</span> floats were the specialty, and Rick's was huge! All the riders seemed to enjoy it, and dozens of "locals" came there for lunch as well. </div><div> </div><div>Shortly after leaving the drive in, we entered <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pennsylvania</span> (our 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> state). Rick is obviously thinking about that root beer float, and considering going back for another one!</div><div> </div><div>We then rode another 25 miles to reach the city of Erie, which developed as a major port in the eastern United States. After dinner, where <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">everyone</span> got to meet Bekki, we walked about 12 blocks to the lake and played "tourist" for awhile. Tomorrow should be fun--it's our last "rest day", before our final 8 day ride to the Atlantic Ocean. After riding over 400 miles in the last four days, the riders are welcoming a day off the bike.</div><div> </div><div></div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-56259354238548276302007-07-14T14:23:00.000-07:002007-07-14T14:59:21.740-07:00What's with these Ohio bridges? Day 42<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rpk_wCd7aSI/AAAAAAAAAJE/L_jTti-WqWo/s1600-h/07+14+07+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087167348620355874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rpk_wCd7aSI/AAAAAAAAAJE/L_jTti-WqWo/s320/07+14+07+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rpk_nSd7aRI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Zq_oncuKmnw/s1600-h/07+14+07+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087167198296500498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rpk_nSd7aRI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Zq_oncuKmnw/s320/07+14+07+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rpk_Pid7aQI/AAAAAAAAAI0/OqMe52dHaWI/s1600-h/07+14+07+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087166790274607362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rpk_Pid7aQI/AAAAAAAAAI0/OqMe52dHaWI/s320/07+14+07+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Bastille Day. In 1789, the "Shot Heard Round the World" (the initial firing by Americans at the British soldiers at the Old North Bridge in Concord, Mass. on April 19, 1775) was finally "heard" in Paris, France. On July 14th, 1789 a Paris "mob" stormed the Bastille, a prison where people were held by the government--many unjustly. It heralded the French Revolution, with a (temporary) end to aristocracy. But this included the "Reign of Terror" (think guillotines) and the rise of Napoleon, who would claim himself Emperor. It took the French many decades to develop a democracy, but I guess they feel it started on "quatorze juillet" (July 14), so they celebrate today as we do the 4th of July.</div><div></div><div>We're in Youngstown, in northeast Ohio. Our 90 mile ride was a little less hilly, the wind was friendly, and riders were happy to have a somewhat easier day. The route was pretty, with lots of back roads again, and few towns. I rode most of the day with Greg (a former cross country rider who is riding about a week with us, en route to visiting his son in upstate New York), Pete and Howie (from left to right, above). This photo was taken as the longest train I've ever seen was passing behind me. Doesn't Pete look like he's waiting patiently?</div><div></div><div>Just before the second SAG at 71 miles, Michelle pulled up in the van to tell us the bridge ahead was closed, and she was looking for a detour. That's three bridges in three days! Undaunted (OK, maybe we were a little daunted) we rode ahead. A worker at the bridge site (middle photo) asked that we turn around, but one of us kindly asked if we could please possibly cross by foot, as we were out of water, had ridden 71 miles and were going to the store just on the other side of the stream (OK, it was me!). The fellow took pity and jovially replied "Go ahead, but the water's contaminated!"</div><div></div><div>While scouting out the remnants of the bridge, we saw a way to cross. Carrying our bikes over dirt mounds, we reached the cement buttresses that crossed the creek. They were about 4 feet apart, and a few wooden planks were laid across all but the last two. Balancing our bikes carefully, we were able to cross without falling into the "contaminated water". I would have loved to stop for a photo, but with the workers watching, the precarious footing, and the bikes in our arms I elected to skip it.</div><div></div><div>As you can see in the bottom photo, Pete, Greg and I made it safely across. Howie took a detour on his bike, and probably got to the other side as quickly as we did. But his story isn't as fun to tell!</div><div></div><div>Because of the late arrival of some riders yesterday evening, the fifth poker card won't be given out until this evening. If I remember, I'll post the winner.<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-7061601734619961302007-07-13T16:30:00.000-07:002007-07-14T14:05:05.912-07:00Beautiful Ohio Day 41<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpgMgSd7aPI/AAAAAAAAAIs/2q7y3bAcb0g/s1600-h/07+13+07+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086829527967688946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpgMgSd7aPI/AAAAAAAAAIs/2q7y3bAcb0g/s320/07+13+07+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpgMPid7aOI/AAAAAAAAAIk/WZR95D2wBLU/s1600-h/07+13+07+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086829240204880098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpgMPid7aOI/AAAAAAAAAIk/WZR95D2wBLU/s320/07+13+07+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpgL7Sd7aNI/AAAAAAAAAIc/OJUrnKWzV8o/s1600-h/07+13+07+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086828892312529106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpgL7Sd7aNI/AAAAAAAAAIc/OJUrnKWzV8o/s320/07+13+07+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The riders are tired this evening. The bottom picture, taken at dinner, shows a typical evening scene. Cyclists refuel for the calories expended today, and the ones we'll burn tomorrow. While almost everyone loses weight on a ride like this, it's a fine balance to maintain. Eat too little, and you'll lose more weight, but be more tired and slow on the bike. Eat too much, and you'll have to use that additional energy to carry those extra pounds that are leaving too slowly!</div><div></div><div>We rode 107 hilly miles today--I got 2 extra miles at 109 (don't ask.....lucky me!) We're working our way across northern Ohio, and are staying in Wooster. Many riders said that some of today's hills were amongst the toughest we've climbed. No hill rose more than a few hundred feet (and most rose far less), but many were steep, and they came in waves. We had 4,450 "feet of climb" today, which is more than we had several days in the Rocky Mountains. Up, then down, repeat until done...</div><div></div><div>As I've gotten stronger on this ride, I particularly notice the improvement on the climbs. For me, the trick is to never "race" up a hill, but to maintain momentum whenever possible. I personally find days like today much easier than climbing the Rocky Mountains, or the Sierras--instead of those "sustained climbs" that go on for miles at a time, these climbs take seconds to minutes, and coasting downhill can get me partway up the next. </div><div></div><div>The top photo shows some of the typical scenery we passed today. We were on mostly back roads, rarely passing through any towns. The scenery looks like "home"--with all the hills, think northern Adam County, minus the orchards.</div><div></div><div>Pictured in the middle is the second SAG stop, where Christine, Greg, David, and Howie are showing their cards (or bananas, for the man from Massachusetts). At breakfast, each SAG stop, and at dinner we were given a card each, with the final card to come tonight. High hand wins--it cost $1.00 to enter. Winner take all. My hand doesn't look promising.....</div><div><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-42092311927163331492007-07-13T02:24:00.000-07:002007-07-13T02:30:31.901-07:00Riding through Gettysburg...Ohio? Day 40<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpdGGSd7aMI/AAAAAAAAAIU/amY8R4VO5lg/s1600-h/07+12+07+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086611377988790466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpdGGSd7aMI/AAAAAAAAAIU/amY8R4VO5lg/s320/07+12+07+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpdF5yd7aLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ODqCCRcdKYk/s1600-h/07+12+07+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086611163240425650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpdF5yd7aLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ODqCCRcdKYk/s320/07+12+07+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpdFqyd7aKI/AAAAAAAAAIE/_7VVcgoIjTU/s1600-h/07+12+07+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086610905542387874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpdFqyd7aKI/AAAAAAAAAIE/_7VVcgoIjTU/s320/07+12+07+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>After riding on the “National Highway” (i.e. Rte 40, which is now paralled by Rte 70, and which runs to Washington D.C.), we travelled more rural roads through western Ohio today. I had read that Indianapolis (and Indiana) had the most polite drivers in the country, and my experiences confirm this. We rarely heard a car honk, or had a car or truck drive closely to the cyclists because they were irritated that we were on the side of the road.<br />We reached the “Welcome to Ohio” marker just 2 ½ miles into our ride. Pictured are Rick, Howie, me Philippe, and Tom. The scheduled route was 105 miles, but all riders got to go even further today! A bridge was out about 78 miles into the ride, and it required a few tries for some of us to find our way around. The second photo was taken when the “first detour” took us back to the missing bridge (on the “wrong side”. Road crews were busily at work there. As you can see, the stream is not wide, but the water was fast moving and was over 5 feet deep in the middle. The crew member I spoke with said that there was no way to walk across within at least a thousand feet of the road, on either side. So we took a second, longer, detour and finally got around that missing bridge. We had good maps provided by AbB—there were just no nearby stream crossings. The two detours added over 10 miles to my trip, so I ended up with 116 miles today. Fortunately we had a strong tailwind, so I reached the hotel by mid afternoon with some of my fellow riders. However, it will probably be a few more hours until all the riders get in today. We heard that some folks missed a turn earlier in the day and rode several additional miles. Should be some good stories at (our late) dinner tonight!<br />We passed through what was supposed to be “Gettysburg, Ohio” today as well. There is no town, and no clear collection of houses. Several roads with names like “Gettysburg-South Eastern Rd” and “Covington-Gettysburg” road converged near the sign shown above, so apparently at one time that area was called “Gettysburg”.<br />We continued to see lots of corn and soy beans today. The soy beans in Ohio are much less further along than the ones we saw further west. The corn height varies tremendously, just as it does in Adams County, depending on when it’s planted, how much rain falls, etc… A few weeks ago TIME magazine ran an article which reported that 90.5 million acres of corn have been planted in the U.S. this year—up 15% from last year. No one on this Cross Country Challenge ride would disagree!<br />As we’ve ridden east, we notice that the farms are smaller and closer together. There are also many more dogs along the roads, and several times they have run out when the riders go by. It is always a concern, since a bike which hits a dog can throw the rider. Several cyclists have a real fear of dogs along the road for this reason. Hopefully we’ll get to New Hampshire without any “dog trouble”.<br />Tomorrow is another 100 plus mile day, and the hills of eastern Ohio come into our route. It should be fun and challenging. </div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-77620856552562137902007-07-12T02:32:00.001-07:002007-07-12T02:54:42.296-07:00Eastern Indiana Day 39<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpX2ECd7aJI/AAAAAAAAAH8/_mmoagWl0j4/s1600-h/07+11+07+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086241903427152018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpX2ECd7aJI/AAAAAAAAAH8/_mmoagWl0j4/s320/07+11+07+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpX1xSd7aII/AAAAAAAAAH0/JHng6uUxeHE/s1600-h/07+11+07+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086241581304604802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpX1xSd7aII/AAAAAAAAAH0/JHng6uUxeHE/s320/07+11+07+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpX1jSd7aHI/AAAAAAAAAHs/zOwugmK1n-E/s1600-h/07+11+07+010_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086241340786436210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpX1jSd7aHI/AAAAAAAAAHs/zOwugmK1n-E/s320/07+11+07+010_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Pictured above is "Boston <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Greg</span>", at a Dairy Queen near Richmond, Indiana, where we're staying tonight. Wayne, Greg, and I had all had a little ice cream before reaching our hotel (after a lovely 73 mile ride), and Greg wanted some cold water available for the last few miles into the hotel. He waited patiently for someone to come to the window--then he waited less patiently. This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">photo</span> was taken just as he decided to launch himself through the window, to get the water himself.......Watch your head, Greg!</div><div></div><div>After arriving at the hotel, we had a nice visit from Bill, who is in the middle of the middle photo. Bill, Cliff, and I rode "Down the East" coast last summer with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">AbB</span>. Cliff (on the left) is riding the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AbB</span> Cross Country Challenge this year for the third time--"'til I get it right". He has also ridden the "North Ride" across the continent, and the "Fast Ride" across, so this is his fifth crossing with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">AbB</span> in the last ten years or so! He says his wife feels that, at age 70, this should be his last long bike trip. We'll see.</div><div></div><div>Bill has also ridden the Cross Country Challenge with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">AbB</span>, in 2003. He gave me lots of great advice for this trip, including the laptop I'm typing on now, certain software choices (he's a real "technology fan"), and lots of hints on how to prepare for the ride. Bill lives in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cincinnati</span>, and drove up to spend the afternoon and evening with us. It was great seeing him, sharing stories, etc... Bill got to meet many of our riders, and they all enjoyed the visit. Great to see you, Bill, and Thanks again!</div><div></div><div>Pictured third is a photo of our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">AbB</span> staff--from left to right are Andy, Gerard, Michelle and Christine. I've written about all these fine people, but haven't shown a photo of them together before now. They are all strong riders, and work hard to make sure the cyclists have a great trip and remain as safe as possible. Andy is either the slowest eater, or is on his third plate of food!</div><div></div><div>In the next 4 days, we are scheduled to ride almost 400 miles, so today's shorter ride was appreciated by many. We are near the Ohio border already.</div><div></div><div>Oh, and before I forget, we celebrated Brian's 40th birthday today! There are two great photos of Brian on yesterday's "blog" below. He told us about his birthday when the ride started, and seemed surprised that we remembered it! He had cake, cards and lots of laughs.<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-64966775501501432772007-07-10T17:11:00.000-07:002007-07-10T17:55:23.949-07:00Indianapolis Motor Speedway Day 38<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpQhoG5b02I/AAAAAAAAAHk/WAONMI_nX1k/s1600-h/07+10+07+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085726852138128226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpQhoG5b02I/AAAAAAAAAHk/WAONMI_nX1k/s320/07+10+07+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpQhN25b01I/AAAAAAAAAHc/FQYUP_hdODQ/s1600-h/07+10+07+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085726401166562130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpQhN25b01I/AAAAAAAAAHc/FQYUP_hdODQ/s320/07+10+07+024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpQgyW5b00I/AAAAAAAAAHU/MOcxabdUZ7I/s1600-h/07+10+07+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085725928720159554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpQgyW5b00I/AAAAAAAAAHU/MOcxabdUZ7I/s320/07+10+07+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We had our 4th "rest day" here in Indianapolis. I've ridden 2794 miles in the last 5+ weeks, and we have another 2 weeks to go, with 13 more days of cycling.</div><div></div><div>We had a special treat thanks to Wayne's connections here. He arranged for us to ride the track at the Indianapolis speedway, and about 1/2 of the riders rode to the track. After a six mile ride through Indianapolis, we met Wayne (who drove his car, which his wife, Karen, drove from Lexington). Now Brian, from Manchester, England, has been collecting old license plates from the states through which we've cycled, and any other states as well. He plans to put them on the wall in his garage at home (which he pronounces "GARE-ij"). I don't think Wayne appreciated Brian's subtle try for a "not so old" Kentucky license plate!</div><div></div><div>Unfortunately things were a little hectic, so we couldn't get a photo of all the riders who rode the track. Pictured in the middle are most of the cyclists. This photo was taken by Bob's wife, who is visiting from the D.C. area.</div><div></div><div>The lower photo again shows Wayne and Brian with me inside the speedway. Notice I had to keep them far apart after Brian's attempted heist! BTW, don't you think that orange bike on the far left is sharp looking?</div><div></div><div>Once on the track, we had lots of fun. It is 2 1/2 miles long. The surface is really smooth, and the four turns are banked, but not nearly at the angle that the much shorter velodrome was banked yesterday. We had a "hoot" riding around the track (I took over 25 photos, and wish I could post more), going up and down the curves. The Indy cars reach speeds of about 270 miles on the straightaways. Not sure what the big deal is--I reached well over 10 % of that speed on my bike!</div><div></div><div>The rest of the day was spent on the usual "rest day" chores--I caught another movie as well. Downtown Indianapolis has been fun to explore. It's another of the many places I'd like to return to with my family in the future.<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-61638565756222272122007-07-09T14:02:00.000-07:002007-07-09T14:34:20.552-07:00Racing in Indianapolis Day 37<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpKju25b0zI/AAAAAAAAAHM/dv8Su1AHjGE/s1600-h/07+09+07+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085306954660434738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpKju25b0zI/AAAAAAAAAHM/dv8Su1AHjGE/s320/07+09+07+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpKjdW5b0yI/AAAAAAAAAHE/6DlRP8Dfmso/s1600-h/07+09+07+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085306654012724002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpKjdW5b0yI/AAAAAAAAAHE/6DlRP8Dfmso/s320/07+09+07+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpKjF25b0xI/AAAAAAAAAG8/n72uq7i36hc/s1600-h/07+09+07+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085306250285798162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpKjF25b0xI/AAAAAAAAAG8/n72uq7i36hc/s320/07+09+07+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Today we cycled to Indianapolis, the state capitol. Although we were less than 40 miles from our destination when we awoke, a combination of side trips increased my total day's mileage to 67 miles. </div><div></div><div>Our first stop was at the Roark factory, where titanium is made into components for the aerospace industry--and they also make titanium bicycles. Jim, pictured above, guided us through the factory. We saw bicycle frames in various stages of preparation. All bikes are made to order, and they are excellent, and expensive. The bike in front of Jim has an aerodynamic down tube and seat tube (they are "flared" in the back, not round), with a "cut-out" in the lower, posterior portion of the seat tube to accommodate the front portion of the rear tire. Way cool! That bike will be shipped to its new owner, perhaps today.</div><div></div><div>On entering the city, we took a side trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It's huge! We were allowed to walk on the track, but elected to wait for a possible chance to ride our bikes on the track tomorrow. We'll see if that can get done.</div><div></div><div>Later we stopped at the Major Taylor Velodrome. This is an outdoor bicycle "arena", with sharply banked curves. When you ride at a high speed, you can turn sharply. None of the riders in our group had much trouble getting "up" on the curves, but we all agreed it felt weird, and that after riding several laps at high speed we felt tired. Pictured is Howie, coming into the curve. He rode very well there, and "got the hang of it" much more quickly than Pete or I did. We also had a visit with Tom and his wife. Tom, an Indiana native, was on the AbB staff for the first two legs of our trip. He had raced at the velodrome in the past and told us some funny stories. While it sounded interesting, we agreed it's a sport that might be more fun to watch than race, at our ages! </div><div> </div><div>After navigating through the heart of the city (with the obligatory picture of the State Capitol building), we found our hotel.. We're staying near the heart of downtown for a change, instead of on the city outskirts. We've ridden about 630 miles in the past seven days, and tomorrow is a "rest day". <br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-85345508145043543262007-07-08T17:34:00.000-07:002007-07-08T18:00:57.699-07:00The Hoosier State Day 36<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpGD-25b0wI/AAAAAAAAAG0/kitd6OprJcs/s1600-h/07+08+07+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084990570189542146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpGD-25b0wI/AAAAAAAAAG0/kitd6OprJcs/s320/07+08+07+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpGDqW5b0vI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Iw_DMQe7jZA/s1600-h/07+08+07+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084990218002223858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpGDqW5b0vI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Iw_DMQe7jZA/s320/07+08+07+006.JPG" border="0" /></a> The states are flying by, as we entered Indiana today. While researching the term "Hoosier", I saw sources from the 1840's that already questioned the derivation of the word applied to residents of Indiana. The word "Hoosier" dates back at least to the early 1800's and seems to have been applied to/or by boatmen on the Indiana side of the Ohio River. Common thoughts include a term like "redneck" that was originally derogative, but came to be respectable. There are other suggestions as well. The popular story that folks used to say "who's here" continues, but is apparently mythical. </div><div> </div><div>Our 82 mile ride was "with the wind", and not too strenuous despite the heat. After I entered the state with David (center), Rick (right) and Howie (who took the top photo), we had lunch at a quaint family restaurant with the Sunday lunch crowd. As we've finally entered the Eastern Time Zone (and lost another hour), I can hopefully adjust all my clocks for the last time on this trip.</div><div> </div><div>The sign welcoming us to Hillsboro was cute. Is Rick one of the many, or the few? He looks happy to me.</div><div> </div><div>Apparently bicycles have more uses than we knew. This building used old bikes for planters. I guess these are the Mommy and Daddy bikes, then the kid's bikes as well. At least the plants look well tended! </div><div> </div><div>The hotel pool was a welcome sight for almost everyone, esp. with the hot weather. It's the first time this year that the water in an outdoor (unheated) pool was actually almost warm. Swimming and showers were followed by dinner at "Joey's", a Mom and Pop small restaurant in downtown Crawfordsville (where we're staying). However, "Mom" and "Pop" were both younger than I am, and their daughter who helped serve was about 12 years old. <br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpGDTG5b0uI/AAAAAAAAAGk/OX7zG52ylL0/s1600-h/07+08+07+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084989818570265314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpGDTG5b0uI/AAAAAAAAAGk/OX7zG52ylL0/s320/07+08+07+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-6957042301202584112007-07-07T18:53:00.001-07:002007-07-07T19:19:33.785-07:00Tar and Stones in Illinois Day 35<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpBEPG5b0tI/AAAAAAAAAGc/eV0Pbfuj-ao/s1600-h/07+07+07+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084639005641528018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpBEPG5b0tI/AAAAAAAAAGc/eV0Pbfuj-ao/s320/07+07+07+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpBEE25b0sI/AAAAAAAAAGU/-L7vOIivvRk/s1600-h/07+07+07+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084638829547868866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpBEE25b0sI/AAAAAAAAAGU/-L7vOIivvRk/s320/07+07+07+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Pictured on top is "Gold". That is one of the two conversion vans which are driven by our AbB staff. It carries the trailer in which all the cyclists' luggage is carried. The other van is called "Silver"<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpBD425b0rI/AAAAAAAAAGM/R3aTe2IliYU/s1600-h/07+07+07+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084638623389438642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RpBD425b0rI/AAAAAAAAAGM/R3aTe2IliYU/s320/07+07+07+005.JPG" border="0" /></a>. The four AbB staff, which include Andy, Michelle, Gerard and Christine, usually spend half their day riding, and half their day driving the vans. Today, for example, Christine and Gerard rode bikes the first several hours while Andy and Michelle drove the vans, transporting any riders who could not ride today, offering water, helping with "mechanicals" (flat tires, other bike related issues) and setting up food and water at the SAG stops. Midway through the ride, they switched. This allows the staff to ride with the cyclists, and to experience what we experience. </div><div> </div><div>Our ride was scheduled for 97 miles, but I got 102 miles, including a trip to a bike shop in Champaign, IL (where we're staying) for two new tires. The middle picture shows one of the roads we travelled, with seemingly endless rows of corn on both sides. We travel some pretty, isolated roads at times. Unfortunately, as today was hot, the "tar and chip" roads led to problems. I got a tremendous amount of tar on my tires while riding in the latter part of the route, and small stones were sticking to my tires by the hundreds. I had to stop multiple times to scrape off tar and stones, and even rode on the grass because the stones would get stuck in the brakes and prevent the (usually rear) tire from rotating.</div><div> </div><div>The third picture is of my rear tire, after I had scraped off much of the tar and stones. You can still see a thick coat of tar on the tire surface, and multiple tiny stones. When we reached town, I was told a bike shop was still open, so (along with several other riders who needed bike work) I rode to the shop, where I purchased two tires and degreaser/tar remover. I put the new tires on at the shop, then rode to the hotel, just in time for a shower and dinner. Then another 45 minutes were spent cleaning the bike! Several other riders also had tar, but no one had as much as I did. Lucky me!</div><div> </div><div>Tomorrow is a somewhat shorter day, scheduled for about 82 miles, so I hope to get a little time after the ride to relax, swim and "catch up". The ride is going well, and today's "tarring" was one of those challenges we have to face when cycling across the country. <br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-47026194518073490942007-07-06T15:30:00.000-07:002007-07-06T18:23:58.325-07:00Land of Lincoln Day 34<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro7DJW5b0qI/AAAAAAAAAGE/ZzzOXA4d5_k/s1600-h/07+06+07+003_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084215594880586402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro7DJW5b0qI/AAAAAAAAAGE/ZzzOXA4d5_k/s320/07+06+07+003_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro7Cr25b0pI/AAAAAAAAAF8/1-cxZQADX3I/s1600-h/07+06+07+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084215088074445458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro7Cr25b0pI/AAAAAAAAAF8/1-cxZQADX3I/s320/07+06+07+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>We rode 106 miles today, across western Illinois, then cycled through downtown Springfield, the capitol city, and home of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln lived here about 35 years, before leaving for Washington, and his inauguration. He never returned, but his remains were brought here and his tomb here looks remarkably like the monument in the Gettysburg National Cemetery (sorry, no photo). We, in Gettysburg, have a special connection with President Lincoln, and he is, by far, my favorite president. I will have to return to Springfield in the future and spend more time here.</div><div></div><div>We passed several million (it seems) acres of corn fields, and a few thousand acres of soy bean fields today. The roads were pretty, the wind was light, but favorable, and the climbs diminished as the day progressed. So it was a pretty fun day. I rode all day with Howie, and Pete joined us a little before the halfway point. Interestingly, I had a flat tire just as I rode into the hotel this afternoon. Good timing, huh?</div><div></div><div>A few of the riders are feeling ill (nothing major, fortunately), and are spending time in the SAG van as needed. Hopefully they will all be feeling better very soon. On a 7 1/2 week trip with as many people as we have, there are bound to be some ailments and illnesses. Everyone is in good general health, and rest usually helps a good bit.</div><div></div><div>Pictured are some of the guys having fun at the first SAG. Left to right are Gerard (our excellent mechanic), Howie (who decided the "rings" might not support his weight if he tried any tricks), and Bob, whose website has lots of great photos (see prior posts).</div><div></div><div>Pete took this photo of Howie and me in front of the State Capitol building. It started to rain just after the photo, and when it poured we took shelter in a Hardees. We consoled ourselves with milkshakes, however!</div><div></div><div>Folks will want to get to sleep early tonight, as we have almost one hundred miles to ride tomorrow.</div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-51098531454674455882007-07-05T13:35:00.000-07:002007-07-05T13:51:53.077-07:00Across the Mighty Mississipi Day 33<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro1WwW5b0oI/AAAAAAAAAF0/9LldTNXHiUw/s1600-h/003%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083814943151346306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro1WwW5b0oI/AAAAAAAAAF0/9LldTNXHiUw/s320/003%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro1WYW5b0nI/AAAAAAAAAFs/22lq2rygZBc/s1600-h/07+05+07+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083814530834485874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro1WYW5b0nI/AAAAAAAAAFs/22lq2rygZBc/s320/07+05+07+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro1WNm5b0mI/AAAAAAAAAFk/3y9CAMlKShs/s1600-h/07+05+07+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083814346150892130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Ro1WNm5b0mI/AAAAAAAAAFk/3y9CAMlKShs/s320/07+05+07+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now don't get the wrong idea! We left Missouri today, and I just wanted to show you what navigating on "back roads" in northern Missouri was like. Every county that we rode through has "lettered" roads, with names like "B", "BB", "C", "R", "V" and just about every other letter. Two days ago we turned off "F" road, taking a right turn onto "U" road. For some reason, one of the riders took a picture of the intersection, and thought I should post it. Not sure what the big deal is..........</div><div> </div><div>After 70 miles of Missouri hills, we reached the Mississippi River, and took a ferry across it. We shared the ferry with tractor trailers, which were apparently taking harvested wheat to the Illinois side. Pictured is California Mike (to be distinguished from Texas Mike), with a semi on his right, and Illinois behind him.</div><div> </div><div>After reaching Illinois (we are in the Midwest, but also in the East now!), we rode another 25 plus miles. First we headed five miles east, still on the "flood plain", then about 15 miles south, at the eastern edge of the "flood plain". During that time, we saw more corn than I've ever seen at one time (and I've cycled almost all the back roads of Adams County). Miles and miles of corn (with occasional soy beans) were growing. The third photo was taken from the porch of a farm house, looking west toward the river several miles away. Corn everywhere!</div><div> </div><div>When we reached the town of Quincy, we rode through it along lovely streets with well maintained homes and yards. We're at the east edge of Quincy tonight, and after riding 97 miles today, we have 100 plus mile rides scheduled the next two days!<br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-20183313235827116502007-07-04T15:20:00.000-07:002007-07-04T15:42:25.325-07:00Independence Day in the Hills Day 32<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RoweVG5b0lI/AAAAAAAAAFc/NC5ihdClpdc/s1600-h/07+04+07+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083471427372044882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RoweVG5b0lI/AAAAAAAAAFc/NC5ihdClpdc/s320/07+04+07+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rowdzm5b0kI/AAAAAAAAAFU/cyX-18iqoaI/s1600-h/07+04+07+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083470851846427202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rowdzm5b0kI/AAAAAAAAAFU/cyX-18iqoaI/s320/07+04+07+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RowdjG5b0jI/AAAAAAAAAFM/c5KyGDhQ-OA/s1600-h/07+04+07+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083470568378585650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RowdjG5b0jI/AAAAAAAAAFM/c5KyGDhQ-OA/s320/07+04+07+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> We're in Kirksville, Missouri, on July 4th, 2007. Almost all the riders wore either AbB jerseys, or other Jerseys that reflected our flag and/or red, white or blue. We were asked to do so by the AbB staff, and except for a few "hold outs", most agreed it was a great idea.</div><div> </div><div>We even had a bicycle decorating contest--the decorations had to be worn on the bike ride, at least until the first SAG stop at mile 31. Many riders decorated their bikes. Certainly my wife would have as well.......</div><div> </div><div>We cycled very rural and hilly roads today, but were blessed with a tail wind--our first true tail wind in weeks! So I didn't find the ride difficult. One of the advantages of my large size is that I can carry alot of speed down one of these "rollers", and keep that momentum well into the following climb. However, some of the climbs were very steep, so the lower gears got their fair share of usage.</div><div> </div><div>We had a light rain for about 30 minutes, but otherwise it was fairly warm. I rode much of the day with Pete (from New Jersey) in the middle photo, and David (from Atlanta, Ga.), who gets my vote for the bike decorating contest. He rode this get-up all day. In the picture above, he is storming up a steep (trust me) hill. He was huffing and puffing (and coming on fast!) until he saw the camera--then the biggest smile appeared! Way to go, David.</div><div> </div><div>Notice the "rollers" behind David, and even more so on the first picture. If you "double click" on it, you can see the road ahead in the distance. There were many "ups and downs and ups" before we reached the far hills in the distance, including a "wall" after we crossed a creek (obscured by the trees).</div><div> </div><div>On arriving to the hotel, many of us briefly showered, then enjoyed the hot tub and pool. You could literally "roll" over the wall from the hot tub to the pool when you were hot, then back into the hot tub when you felt cool. I had about 10 "rolls"!</div><div> </div><div>Tomorrow will be our last day in Missouri, as we will ride a ferry across the Mississippi River when we reach it. But the AbB staff promises more fun hills on the way to the Mighty Mississip.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-58783096704595853052007-07-03T15:35:00.000-07:002007-07-03T18:03:20.488-07:00Up and Down in Missouri Day 31<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RorSpm5b0iI/AAAAAAAAAFE/Vouc0Mzzrx4/s1600-h/07+03+07+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083106741698941474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RorSpm5b0iI/AAAAAAAAAFE/Vouc0Mzzrx4/s320/07+03+07+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RorQJ25b0hI/AAAAAAAAAE8/MUiYG4xUnz8/s1600-h/07+03+07+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083103997214839314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RorQJ25b0hI/AAAAAAAAAE8/MUiYG4xUnz8/s320/07+03+07+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RorPr25b0gI/AAAAAAAAAE0/y7uIx9wYMGM/s1600-h/07+03+07+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083103481818763778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RorPr25b0gI/AAAAAAAAAE0/y7uIx9wYMGM/s320/07+03+07+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>We really enjoyed the ride today. Planned for 91 miles, I got a few extra at no additional charge! Between the first and second SAG stops, AbB ride co-leader Andy and I were having a nice chat as we enjoyed the beautiful countryside. The day was hot and humid, but riding generates a breeze so we were feeling OK. I checked the mileage for the next turn on our "cue sheets", and realized that we must have missed a turn. That's OK, it happens all the time. What made me laugh was Andy saying "Good thing you caught that , Dave. I might have gone ten miles before I noticed it"! Well, when you ride as fast as Andy does, you can afford to miss a turn or two and still end up at the hotel before the other riders. We back tracked a little, took a side road, asked several drivers (who were all visiting from somewhere else!), and finally reached the SAG.</div><div> </div><div>We rodes hundreds of ups and downs today, though you have to look hard behind Christine (of the AbB staff) to see the "ribbons" in the road (try "double clicking" on the picture). Tonight we're staying in Chillicothe, Missouri, and we have an even hillier ride tomorrow. Hopefully I can get some pictures that do it justice.</div><div> </div><div>The second photo shows part of a farm we passed. I think the owners my have extended their credit too much....but the name has a nice Spanish-Latin ring to it.<br /></div><div>Next are some of the riders at the first SAG. Notice how everyone is eating--you burn alot of calories on these rides, and when it's time to feed, we feed! Also note how everyone was standing in the shade at about 9:30 A.M. Like I said, it was hot.</div><div> </div><div>Since eastern Kansas, the terrain we have passed is very much like that of south-central PA and northern MD--rolling hills, lots of corn, soybeans, cattle, etc... We had lunch in the town of Jamesport (though where the water was, I couldn't say), at a restaurant run by a Mennonite group. We also passed Old Order Amish farms.</div><div> </div><div>We're getting up early tomorrow, as the day is one of our hilliest. But as long as we avoid headwinds, no one wants to complain! </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RorSpm5b0iI/AAAAAAAAAFE/Vouc0Mzzrx4/s1600-h/07+03+07+001.JPG"></a> </div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-80396880138324560502007-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:002007-07-03T15:35:49.882-07:00Look how far we've come Day 30<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rok9rW5b0fI/AAAAAAAAAEs/lCRZ4r95nAA/s1600-h/07+02+07+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082661469554463218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/Rok9rW5b0fI/AAAAAAAAAEs/lCRZ4r95nAA/s320/07+02+07+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Pictured with me are, left to right, Erin, Howie and Arlene. Brian took this photo this morning at 9:30. I had to wait until the late sleeper got out of bed (no hints, but was it any of the people in their 40's or 60's--No!).</div><div></div><div>I submitted an article today to the Gettysburg Times (my hometown newspaper), which will run in the Health and Fitness section in two weeks, on Monday, July 16th. The Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian Inc. (HABPI) Board (of which I'm a member) asked me to write an article about this cross country bike ride. I decided to focus on some of my fellow riders, and the amazing things they've accomplished. There's a paragraph each on Arlene, Howie, and Erin. Since not everyone who reads this blog will get the Gburg Times, I may post the article here as well, if there is interest (Please note that I welcome constructive comments every day, at the end of the posts).</div><div></div><div>As you can see in the photo, we're past the halfway point of our journey. I've ridden about 2,150 miles, and have perhaps only 1700 to 1800 miles to go. Only 22 days remain after today. All cyclists are enjoying a well deserved "rest day". Activities include washing bikes, doing laundry, getting haircuts, catching up on correspondence, naps, etc.....</div><div></div><div>In checking out the Lance Armstrong Foundation website, I see that we've had some very generous donations. The total raised is over $4,000, and I think that's great! We've had 6 people, who between them, have given $2000! Fantastic! </div><div></div><div>However (you knew there'd be a "however", didn't you?), only about 35 individuals or families have donated, to date. I purposefully did not ask for contributions before the ride, because I think my riding is an important part of the fund raising process. I didn't want to solicit money, and then get ill or injured and be unable to do the ride. </div><div></div><div>And I think that writing this blog has actually helped my riding. It has kept me focused and positive! There has not been a single day where I didn't want to ride, or where I felt this was "too hard". Knowing that I'm helping raise money for a great cause, and telling about my experiences (and the fun we're having) have been great motivations for me. So please help, if you can, with a tax deductible donation (of any amount) to the LAF. The website is:</div><div></div><div>livestrong.org/grassroots/davidmoore</div><div></div><div>OK, unlike the PBS stations, I won't keep asking for money everyday! Thanks for your support, and please contact me either via the comments section (see below) or at</div><div></div><div><a href="mailto:dsmv@comcast.net">dsmv@comcast.net</a> </div><div></div><div>We're looking forward to crossing hot and hilly northern Missouri over the next few days. Several cyclists repeatedly expressed a desire to get out of Kansas (and the constant headwinds). We'll see whether they "needed to be careful what they wished for".....</div><div></div><div>Stay tuned.</div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128930471628421659.post-49544585016350719942007-07-01T18:37:00.001-07:002007-07-01T18:54:18.627-07:00Toto, We're not in Kansas anymore Day 29<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RohYcW5b0eI/AAAAAAAAAEk/o6gEYjU0AUM/s1600-h/07+01+07+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082409423693664738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RohYcW5b0eI/AAAAAAAAAEk/o6gEYjU0AUM/s320/07+01+07+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RohXFG5b0dI/AAAAAAAAAEc/EawSMFeY1hI/s1600-h/07+01+07+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082407924750078418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K5EX3WgZiLk/RohXFG5b0dI/AAAAAAAAAEc/EawSMFeY1hI/s320/07+01+07+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>We arrived at the Missouri River after riding about 56 miles of our 88 mile route today. After 7 days of nonstop headwinds, few were sorry to try our luck in another state. At the sign midway on the bridge over the river that said "You are leaving Kansas", one rider had his picture taken while "saluting" the sign "goodbye and good riddance". I enjoyed Kansas, but I hope the wind will shift in our favor--I think we're overdue...........<br /></div><div>The sign, lower photo, appeared a few moments later, welcoming us to the "Show Me" state. Pictured, L to R, are Bob, me, Andrew and Wayne. I had to lean on the sign to try to straighten it, as Wayne and Andrew were tilting it toward the road! </div><div><br /> </div><div>We then got our first taste of Missouri Hills, after we left the flatlands by the river. We'll be doing alot of ups and downs in the next few days, as you can see on the photo at the top. Again, the picture tends to "flatten out" the hills, but it took a little while to climb each of the "bumps" you see (double click on the pictures).</div><div> </div><div></div><div>The last few miles into St. Joseph, Missouri, were enjoyable. We'll be staying here the next two nights, where the Pony Express was founded (carrying mail to California, starting in 1860, it only lasted about 18 months!), and where Jesse James was shot and killed by one of his gang members.</div><div></div><div></div></div>Dave's Cross Country Bike Ridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11164910911762041126noreply@blogger.com1